Maryland MVA Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to move through an intersection or roadway space ahead of others. Drivers yield it rather than take it, and having it never excuses causing a crash.

An intersection where vehicles from every direction must stop. The first to arrive goes first, and if two arrive together the driver on the right goes first.

A solid white line painted across your lane at an intersection, crosswalk, or railroad approach. Stop before it so pedestrians and cross traffic have room.

A downward-pointing triangle sign meaning you must slow down and let cross traffic and pedestrians pass before you enter or merge.

A sign that states a law or rule you must obey, like a speed limit, stop, or turn restriction. Most are white rectangles with black or red markings.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign that alerts you to a hazard or change ahead, such as a curve, hill, or lane merge. Slow down and be ready to adjust.

A yellow pavement marking that separates traffic moving in opposite directions. Solid yellow means do not cross to pass when it is on your side.

A dashed white line that separates lanes traveling in the same direction. You may cross it to change lanes when the way is clear.

A signal that works like a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, then go when it is safe.

A signal telling you to slow down and proceed with caution. It does not require a stop, but often means cross traffic faces a flashing red light.

A signal that gives you a protected turn because conflicting traffic is stopped. You may turn in the arrow's direction while watching for pedestrians.

In Maryland you may turn right after a full stop at a red light unless a sign forbids it, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic. Left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.

A circular intersection where entering traffic yields to vehicles already in the circle, which moves counterclockwise. Do not stop once inside.

An area near a school where the speed limit is lowered, in Maryland generally to 15 mph, during posted times or when children are present. Speeding penalties are higher there.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, commonly measured by counting three seconds as that vehicle passes a fixed object. Increase the gap in bad weather or darkness.

When tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the pavement, so steering and braking stop working. Ease off the gas and avoid hard braking until grip returns.

A slide caused by tires losing their grip on the road. Look and steer where you want to go and ease off the accelerator instead of slamming the brakes.

A braking system that keeps wheels from locking so you can steer while stopping hard. In an emergency, press the pedal firmly and hold it; do not pump.

The area to the side and rear of your vehicle that the mirrors do not show. Turn your head to check it before changing lanes or merging.

Maryland requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever wipers are on because of weather. In fog or heavy rain, use low beams rather than high beams.

Driving while sleepy or tired, which slows reactions and can cause brief lapses in attention. Rest is the only fix; cold air and loud music do not work.

Anything that takes your eyes, hands, or attention away from the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting a screen. Maryland restricts handheld phone use and bans texting while driving.

A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice, most likely on bridges, overpasses, and shaded pavement. Slow down early and avoid sudden braking or steering.

A stretch of road where construction or maintenance is underway, often with shifted lanes, workers, and reduced speed limits. Maryland raises fines for violations there.

Maryland requires you to change lanes away from stopped police, fire, tow, or highway vehicles displaying flashing lights, or to slow down if you cannot move over.

The part of the roadway reserved for pedestrians, marked with painted lines or left unmarked at intersections. Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in it.

The large blind spots in front of, beside, and behind a commercial truck where the driver cannot see your car. Do not linger there, especially on the right side.

Maryland law requiring a driver passing a bicycle to leave at least three feet of space until safely past. If that is not possible, wait behind the rider.

When a school bus shows flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, traffic in both directions must stop until the lights go off. On a divided highway, opposing traffic may continue.

A police car, fire truck, or ambulance using lights and siren. Move to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes; never follow close behind.

A place where train tracks cross the road. Slow down, look both ways, never stop on the tracks, and never drive around lowered gates.

The percentage of alcohol in a person's blood, used to measure impairment. Maryland's legal limit is 0.08 for drivers 21 and over and 0.02 for those under 21.

By driving in Maryland you agree to submit to a chemical test if lawfully arrested for impaired driving. Refusing can suspend your license even without a conviction.

The rule that a driver under 21 with any measurable alcohol, 0.02 or higher in Maryland, can be charged with impaired driving.

In Maryland, the more serious impaired-driving offense, generally charged at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or when alcohol or drugs make you unable to drive safely.

In Maryland, the lesser impaired-driving charge, generally at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.07, or when alcohol or drugs impair your driving ability.

Maryland adds points to your driving record for moving violations. Accumulating 12 points within two years can lead to license suspension.

A stage in Maryland's graduated licensing program for new drivers that carries restrictions, such as limits on young passengers and late-night driving.

An open bottle, can, or other container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Maryland prohibits open alcohol containers there while the vehicle is on a highway.

Legal drugs that can still make driving unsafe by causing drowsiness, blurred vision, or slowed reactions. Ask the pharmacist and do not drive if you feel impaired.